What does Preamble of SAFE Drivers Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To require all applicants for a commercial driver's license to demonstrate English language proficiency as a condition for testing and issuance, and for other purposes,' aims to require English language proficiency for commercial driver's license applicants. The bill would establish English language proficiency as a condition for both testing and issuance of commercial driver's licenses.

What does SHORT TITLE. of SAFE Drivers Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Standardized Assessment for Fluency in English for Drivers Act.

What does DEFINITIONS. of SAFE Drivers Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Commercial driver’s license” is defined as having the meaning given in section 31301 of title 49, United States Code. “English proficiency test” is defined as a standardized assessment approved by the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, evaluating an individual's English ability for commercial motor vehicle operation. The assessment includes evaluating the ability to read road signs, understand spoken instructions, and write driver logs. “Applicant” means any individual applying for a new or renewed commercial driver's license.

What does ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT. of SAFE Drivers Act do?

This section amends 49 U.S. Code Section 31308 to establish an English proficiency requirement for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and learner's permits. Applicants for a CDL or renewal must now pass an English language proficiency test issued under section 4(a) of the SAFE Drivers Act. The amendments apply to individuals issued or renewed a CDL or learner's permit on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

What does IMPLEMENTATION AND OVERSIGHT. of SAFE Drivers Act do?

This section establishes implementation and oversight procedures for an English language proficiency requirement related to commercial driver's licenses. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator is responsible for developing, maintaining, and approving the English language proficiency test and providing guidance to states. State departments of motor vehicles must administer and verify the English proficiency requirement when issuing commercial driver's licenses and learner's permits. States are required to annually report testing data, pass rates, and compliance outcomes to the FMCSA. The Secretary of Transportation, through the FMCSA Administrator, will monitor state compliance with the Act. The Secretary may withhold federal funds from states found to be not in substantial compliance. The Secretary must submit an annual report to Congress summarizing state compliance, enforcement actions, and recommendations.

What does RULEMAKING AUTHORITY. of SAFE Drivers Act do?

This section grants the Secretary of Transportation the authority to issue regulations. These regulations are to be issued as necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of SAFE Drivers Act do?

This Act will become effective 12 months after its enactment.

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SAFE Drivers Act

Last updated: 12/1/2025 · Introduced: 10/21/2025

Author: Pat Harrigan (R-NC)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill mandates that all applicants for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and renewals must pass an approved English language proficiency test.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will develop, approve, and oversee the English proficiency test, providing guidance to state departments of motor vehicles.
States must administer the English proficiency requirement, report testing data annually, and risk withholding of federal funds if they fail to comply with the Act.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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